Patent application title: BORESIGHT LASER AIMING SYSTEM FOR FIREARMS

Abstract:

The boresight laser aiming system for firearms provides a laser aiming
beam through the mechanical action (20), chamber, and barrel (36) of the
operable firearm (10) and through a specially configured live rimfire
cartridge within the chamber, enabling a marksman to place the laser upon
the target and fire the weapon simultaneously. The laser device (12) may
be installed concentrically with a light passage through the bolt (22),
hammer, or other mechanism of the firearm, or may be offset with the
light path guided by one or more reflective mirrors, prisms, etc. The
firearm may comprise a rifle (10), semiautomatic pistol, revolver, etc.
The live cartridge has concentric inner and outer tubes defining a
toroidal explosive charge-containing chamber therebetween and a light
passage through the innermost tube, and a bullet having a passage
therethrough allowing light to pass through the live cartridge assembly
when placed in the firearm chamber.

Claims:

1. A boresight laser aiming system for a firearm, comprising:an
operational firearm having an action and a barrel defining a bore through
the barrel, the action defining a light aiming passage therethrough
concentric with the bore of the barrel;a laser device disposed within the
firearm, the laser selectively transmitting a laser light aiming beam
through the light aiming passage of the action and through the bore of
the barrel; anda live rimfire cartridge having a concentrically disposed
light aiming passage therethrough, the cartridge being removably inserted
into the action, the light aiming passages of the action and the
cartridge being aligned with the laser beam and the barrel bore.

2. The boresight laser aiming system for a firearm according to claim 1,
wherein the laser device is aligned concentrically with the light aiming
passage of the action and the bore of the barrel.

3. The boresight laser aiming system for a firearm according to claim 1,
wherein the laser device is axially offset from the light aiming passage
of the action and the bore of the barrel, the system further comprising
at least one reflective element is disposed between the laser device and
the light aiming passage of the action, the reflective element being
aligned to reflect light from the laser device through the light aiming
passage of the action and the bore of the barrel.

4. The boresight laser aiming system for a firearm according to claim 1
wherein the firearm action is selected from the group consisting of a
bolt action having a bolt with an aiming passage disposed concentrically
therethrough, and a hammer action having a hammer with a light aiming
passage formed therethrough.

5. The boresight laser aiming system for a firearm according to claim 4,
the bolt of the bolt action having a chamber end and an optically
transparent window disposed in the chamber end of the bolt.

6. The boresight laser aiming system for a firearm according to claim 1
wherein the live rimfire cartridge further comprises:a generally tubular
outer shell having a rearward end and a forward end;a generally tubular
inner shell disposed concentrically with the outer shell, the inner shell
having a rearward end and a forward end;a base disposed across the
rearward end of the outer shell and inner shell, the base containing a
generally peripheral rimfire primer charge therein, the base further
defining a light aiming passage disposed concentrically therethrough and
coaxially disposed with the inner shell; anda bullet secured to the
forward end of the outer shell and inner shell, the bullet defining a
light aiming passage therethrough concentric with the light aiming
passages of the inner shell and rearwardly disposed base, the outer
shell, inner shell, base, and bullet defining a toroidal explosive charge
container volume therein.

7. The boresight laser aiming system for a firearm according to claim 6,
wherein the bullet further includes at least one optically transparent
window disposed within the light aiming passage thereof.

8. A boresight laser aiming system for a firearm, comprising:an
operational firearm having a an action and a barrel having a bore through
the barrel, the action defining a light aiming passage therethrough
concentric with the bore of the barrel; anda laser device disposed within
the firearm generally rearward of the action, the laser device
selectively transmitting a laser light aiming beam through the light
aiming passage of the action and through the bore of the barrel.

9. The boresight laser aiming system for a firearm according to claim 8,
wherein the laser device is aligned concentrically with the light aiming
passage of the action and the bore of the barrel.

10. The boresight laser aiming system for a firearm according to claim 8,
wherein the laser device is axially offset from the light aiming passage
of the action and the bore of the barrel, the system further comprising
at least one reflective element disposed between the laser device and the
light aiming passage of the action, the reflective element being aligned
to reflect light from the laser device through the light aiming passage
of the action and the bore of the barrel.

11. The boresight laser aiming system for a firearm according to claim 8
wherein the firearm action is selected from the group consisting of a
bolt action having a bolt with an aiming passage disposed concentrically
therethrough, and a hammer action having a hammer with a light aiming
passage formed therethrough.

12. The boresight laser aiming system for a firearm according to claim 11,
the bolt of the bolt action having a chamber end and an optically
transparent window disposed in the chamber end of the bolt.

13. The boresight laser aiming system for a firearm according to claim 8,
further including a live rimfire cartridge having a concentrically
disposed light aiming passage therethrough.

14. The boresight laser aiming system for a firearm according to claim 13
wherein the rimfire cartridge further comprises:a generally tubular outer
shell having a rearward end and a forward end;a generally tubular inner
shell disposed concentrically with the outer shell, the inner shell
having a rearward end and a forward end;a base disposed across the
rearward end of the outer shell and inner shell, the base containing a
generally peripheral rimfire primer charge therein, the base defining a
light aiming passage disposed concentrically therethrough and coaxially
disposed with the inner shell; anda bullet secured to the forward end of
the outer shell and inner shell, the bullet defining a light aiming
passage therethrough and concentric with the light aiming passages of the
inner shell and rearwardly disposed base, the outer shell, inner shell,
base, and bullet defining a toroidal explosive charge container volume
therein.

15. The boresight laser aiming system for a firearm according to claim 14,
wherein the bullet further includes at least one optically transparent
window disposed within the light aiming passage thereof.

16. A rimfire firearm cartridge, comprising:a generally tubular outer
shell having a rearward end and a forward end;a generally tubular inner
shell disposed concentrically with the outer shell, the inner shell
having a rearward end and a forward end;a base disposed across the
rearward end of the outer shell and inner shell, the base containing a
generally peripheral rimfire primer charge therein, the base further
defining a light aiming passage disposed concentrically therethrough
coaxially disposed with the inner shell; anda bullet secured to the
forward end of the outer shell and inner shell, the bullet defining a
light aiming passage therethrough concentric with the light aiming
passages of the inner shell and rearwardly disposed base, the outer
shell, inner shell, base, and bullet defining a toroidal explosive charge
container volume therein.

17. The rimfire firearm cartridge according to claim 16, wherein the
bullet further includes at least one optically transparent window
disposed within the light aiming passage thereof.

Description:

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001]The present invention relates generally to firearms and ammunition
for firearms. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
boresight laser aiming system for firearms in which the operable firearm
(rifle, pistol, etc.) has an aiming sight passage formed concentrically
through its action or firing mechanism and a laser aiming device
permanently installed to pass an aiming beam therethrough and through the
barrel and a rimfire cartridge having a laser sighting passage formed
therein to provide an accurate aiming reference for the marksman.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002]Various forms of aiming systems and devices have been developed for
firearms in the past, from simple open sights to more complex telescopic
and electronic aiming devices and systems. The development of the laser
has led to additional improvements in aiming devices for firearms due to
the coherent light beam emitted by the laser, and its lack of scatter. As
a result, various laser aiming devices for firearms have been developed
in the past. Most such devices are configured for installation upon the
exterior of the firearm, where the laser light aiming path is axially
offset from the path of the firearm projectile (bullet) through the
barrel of the firearm. Such an externally installed laser aiming device
allows the firearm to remain operable, i.e., to remain capable of firing
a bullet or projectile.

[0003]A number of devices have been developed using a different principle
of laser aiming in which a laser emitting device is installed
concentrically within a container emulating the configuration of a
firearm cartridge, with the laser emitting device then being removably
installed within the firing chamber of the firearm. The device transmits
a laser beam of light concentrically through the barrel of the firearm
when activated. The problem with this class of device is that it is not a
true firearm aiming device as the firearm is not operable, i.e., it
cannot be used to fire a round when such a laser device is installed
therein, taking the place of a live cartridge.

[0004]Thus, a boresight laser aiming system for firearms solving the
aforementioned problems is desired.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0005]The boresight laser aiming system for firearms includes a specially
configured firearm (rifle, pistol, etc.) having a laser emitting device
installed therein. The firearm has a laser light passage formed through
the firing action thereof (bolt, hammer, etc. and associated mechanism)
concentric with the interior of the barrel. The firearm uses specially
configured rimfire cartridges. The cartridges have a shell formed of
concentric cylindrical inner and outer walls defining a toroidal
explosive containment volume having a light passage formed concentrically
therethrough. The bullet used with the cartridge also includes a
concentric light passage therethrough. When the above-described cartridge
is placed in the firing chamber of the operable firearm, the laser aiming
device in the firearm can transmit a laser aiming beam concentrically
through the action of the firearm, the live round in the chamber, and
down the barrel, thus enabling the marksman to place the light emitted by
the laser directly upon the target and to fire the live weapon and round
as desired.

[0006]The firearm may comprise a rifle, semiautomatic pistol, revolver, or
other firearm configuration. The laser may be installed coaxially
directly behind the firing mechanism or action of the firearm, or may be
axially offset and transmit its light through the action and barrel of
the weapon by means of one or more reflective mirrors, prisms, or the
like. The live cartridge may be configured to be compatible with any
practicable laser boresight weapon. The cartridge may include a
completely open axial light passage, or the passage may include one or
more optically transparent windows in order to prevent the flow of
explosive gas through the shell and/or bullet after firing. The laser may
transmit optically visible light, or may transmit in the infrared or
other light range invisible to the unaided eye.

[0007]These and other features of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and
drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a right side elevation view of a first embodiment of a
boresight laser aiming system for firearms according to the present
invention in which the laser aiming device is in coaxial alignment with
the rifle bore.

[0009]FIG. 2 is a partial right side elevation view in partial section of
the boresight laser aiming system of the rifle of FIG. 1, showing further
details thereof.

[0010]FIG. 3 is a right side elevation view of a second embodiment of the
boresight laser aiming system for firearms according to the present
invention in which the laser aiming device is axially offset from the
rifle bore.

[0011]FIG. 4 is a right side elevation view of an exemplary semiautomatic
pistol incorporating the boresight laser aiming system for firearms of
the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 5 is a left side elevation view of an exemplary revolver
incorporating the boresight laser aiming system for firearms of the
present invention.

[0013]FIG. 6 is a partial section view along lines 6-6 of FIG. 5.

[0014]FIG. 7 is a sectional elevation view of an exemplary hollow core
rimfire cartridge of a boresight laser aiming system for firearms
according to the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 8 is a sectional elevation view of another exemplary hollow
core rimfire cartridge of a boresight laser aiming system according to
the present invention.

[0017]The present invention relates to a boresight laser aiming system for
firearms in which a laser device is permanently installed within the
operable firearm at a location generally behind the action. The action
has a sighting passage therethrough aligned coaxially with the bore of
the barrel of the firearm. The system includes a specially configured
live rimfire cartridge having a sighting passage formed concentrically
therethrough, which is aligned with the sighting passage of the firearm
in use.

[0018]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of the present system,
comprising a bolt-action rifle 10 incorporating a laser device 12
permanently installed therewith. The laser device 12 is conventional,
other than its installation within the operable rifle 10 or other
firearm, and may include a source of electrical power (batteries, etc.)
therewith. The batteries, recharging port, etc. may be accessed through a
removable or openable cap or plug 14 providing access to the laser and
battery housing 16 of the firearm. A switch 18 (momentary contact,
continuous, etc.) is preferably located at a convenient point on the
stock or action of the rifle 10 and connected electrically to the laser
device 12 by conventional wiring, enabling the marksman to selectively
activate the laser device 12 for aiming.

[0019]The bolt action 20 is shown in cross section in the more detailed
view of FIG. 2. The bolt 22 includes a light aiming passage 24 formed
concentrically therethrough. The bolt 22 may optionally include an
optically transparent window 26 at the forward or chamber end 28 thereof.
Such a window 26 serves to prevent blowback of explosive gases through
the specially formed hollow cartridge (discussed in detail further below)
used with the boresight aiming system when the bolt-action rifle 10 is
fired. While instantaneous explosive forces may reach thousands of pounds
per square inch (kilograms per square meter) within the rifle chamber
when the weapon is fired, the light aiming passage 24 and window 26 of
the bolt 22 have cross-sectional areas somewhat less than about one
one-hundredth of an inch (0.254 mm), depending upon the caliber of the
rifle 10 and other factors. Thus, the explosive force against the window
26 is only on the order of several tens of pounds (kilograms), which is
well within the acceptable range for an optically transparent window of
suitable material and thickness.

[0020]The action 20 of the rifle 10 includes a tubular passage 30 behind
the bolt 22 to provide for retraction of the bolt when ejecting an
expended shell and/or inserting a new round in the chamber, with the
laser device 12 being permanently installed in the extension housing 16
disposed concentrically behind the bolt 22. Thus, the laser device 12 is
aligned concentrically with the bolt 22 and its light aiming passage 24,
as well as being aligned concentrically with the chamber 32 and bore 34
of the rifle barrel 36.

[0021]The operable rifle 10 and specially formed live cartridge used
therewith utilize the rimfire principle, i.e., the firing pin 38 is
radially offset from the center of the bolt 22 in order to provide for
the concentric light aiming passage 24 formed through the bolt 22. The
remainder of the action 20 is shown generally, with a hammer 40 operating
through a slot in the bolt 22 and selectively striking the firing pin 38
when the trigger of the weapon is pulled. Additional conventional
components of the bolt-action mechanism 20 have been omitted from the
drawings for clarity.

[0022]FIG. 3 is a general right side elevation view of another operable
bolt-action rifle 10a incorporating the boresight laser aiming system.
The rifle 10a incorporates most of the componentry of the rifle 10 of
FIGS. 1 and 2, including conventional componentry, such as the barrel 36,
bolt-action mechanism, etc. The rifle 10a of FIG. 3 also incorporates
essentially the same bolt 22 with its axial light aiming passage 24
disposed concentrically with the chamber and bore of the barrel of the
rifle 10a, as in the case of the rifle 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. However, the
laser device 12 of the rifle 10a is axially offset from the alignment of
the light aiming passage 24 through the bolt 22 and remainder of the bolt
action, as can be seen from the broken line showing of the laser device
and battery housing 16a in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the housing 16a
for the laser device is axially displaced into the handgrip portion of
the stock, rather than being installed directly behind the bolt and its
action, as in the rifle 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Accordingly, a reflective
element 42 (e.g., mirror, prism, etc.) is installed within the rifle
stock in line with the initial light transmission path 44a from the laser
device and the reflected path 44b, which is aligned concentrically with
the light passage 24 through the bolt 22 and remainder of the bolt
action. In this manner, the laser device may be installed in any
practicable location within the firearm.

[0023]FIG. 4 of the drawings provides a general right side elevation view
of another embodiment of the boresight laser aiming system in which a
laser device is installed within a specially configured operable
semiautomatic pistol 110. The pistol 110 may incorporate a conventional
firing mechanism action, with the exception being the bolt or slide 122.
Rather than being formed as a solid unit, the bolt or slide of the pistol
110 incorporates a light passage therethrough in the same manner as that
shown for the light passage 24 through the rifle bolt 22 of the rifles 10
and 10a of FIGS. 1 through 3. However, rather than placing the laser
device 12 in concentric alignment with the light passage of the bolt or
slide 122 of the pistol 110 and its conventional chamber and barrel, the
laser device 12 is axially offset and installed within the handgrip
portion 146 of the operable weapon 110 to provide a compact installation.
The handgrip portion 146 of the semiautomatic pistol 110 is
conventionally used for the removable installation of a magazine or clip
therein to supply ammunition to the weapon, but there is sufficient
volume within the handgrip 146 for the inclusion of a small, but bright,
laser device 12 therein as well, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 4. A
switch 118 may be installed at any convenient location upon the pistol
110 to control the laser device 12. A reflective element 142 (e.g.,
mirror, prism, etc.) is installed above the handgrip 146 in line with the
initial light transmission path 144a from the laser device, and with the
reflected path 144b, which is aligned concentrically with the light
passage through the bolt or slide 122 and remainder of the action.

[0024]FIGS. 5 and 6 respectively provide a left side elevation view and a
top plan view in section for a revolver 210 incorporating the laser
aiming system of the present invention. The basic principle of the
boresight laser aiming system of the revolver 210 is the same as that of
the rifle 10a of FIG. 3 and semiautomatic pistol 110 of FIG. 4, i.e., a
laser device 12 is located within the handgrip 246 of the pistol 210,
with a reflective element 242 installed to reflect the initial light path
or beam 244a to a path 244b that is concentric with the chamber 232
(shown in FIG. 6) and bore 234 (also shown in FIG. 6) of the barrel 236.
However, rather than a bolt and firing pin acting directly upon the back
or base of the cartridge, the revolver 210 utilizes a pivotally mounted
hammer 240, shown most clearly in section in FIG. 6 of the drawings. The
hammer 240 is specially configured to have a bifurcated configuration
with laterally opposed elements 240a and 240b defining a portion of the
chamber and barrel bore concentric light passage 244b therebetween. At
least one of the two hammer elements 240a, 240b includes a firing pin
extending forwardly therefrom, with there preferably being two such
firing pins 238a, 238b extending respectively from the two hammer
elements 240a, 240b. This aligns the firing pin(s) with the periphery or
rim of the live rimfire cartridge 310 shown in the chamber 232 and in
further detail in FIG. 7 of the drawings in order to allow the aiming
light transmitted by the laser 12 to travel along the first light path
244a, reflect from the mirror or reflective element 242, and travel along
the second light path 244b between the hammer elements 240a, 240b,
through the light aiming passage 312 of the rimfire cartridge 310 and out
the bore 234 of the barrel 236 to facilitate aiming the operable revolver
210.

[0025]FIG. 7 provides a sectional elevation view of a pistol type
cartridge 310 having a concentrically disposed light aiming passage 312
therethrough, with FIG. 8 being a sectional elevation view of a necked
down, Magnum-type cartridge 410 for use in compatibly configured
firearms, generally rifles or more powerful weapons. The cartridge 310
comprises a generally tubular outer shell 314 having a rearward end 316
and opposite forward end 318. A generally tubular inner shell 320 is
disposed concentrically within the outer shell 314. The inner shell has
opposed rearward and forward ends 322 and 324. The rearward ends 316 and
322 of the outer and inner shells 314 and 320 are closed by a toroidal
base 326 having a concentric light aiming passage 328 formed therethrough
at its juncture with the rearward end 322 of the inner shell 320 and
coaxially aligned therewith, and a periphery or rim 330 joining the
rearward end 316 of the outer shell.

[0026]The outwardly extending flanged rim 330 of the base 326 contains a
peripheral rimfire primer charge 332 therein, compatible with the rimfire
firing pins provided in the various operable firearm embodiments
disclosed herein. The forward ends 318 and 324 of the outer and inner
shells are closed by a bullet 334 removably secured thereto, with the
bullet 334 having an axial light aiming passage 336 formed completely
therethrough and aligned concentrically with the light aiming passage 312
of the inner shell 320 and light aiming passage 328 of the base 326. The
inner shell 320, base 326, and bullet 334 define a closed explosive
charge container volume 338 having a toroidal cross section, containing
the explosive charge or gunpowder 340 conventionally used to produce the
explosive power for firing a bullet or projectile from a weapon.

[0027]It will be seen that the light aiming passage 328 of the base 326,
passage 312 of the inner shell 320, and passage 336 of the bullet 334
provide a completely open passage extending through the length of the
cartridge 310. While the explosive charge volume 338 within the outer and
inner shells 314 and 320 is initially closed, it will be seen that this
volume 338 opens immediately once the explosive force has separated the
bullet 334 from the two shells 314 and 320. Accordingly, some of the
explosive gases may tend to flow through the central light aiming passage
336 of the bullet 334. This may be precluded by optionally providing an
optically transparent window across the light aiming passage 336 of the
bullet 334, e.g., a rearwardly disposed window 342a and/or forwardly
disposed window 342b. The window or windows 342a and/or 342b are shown in
broken lines in FIG. 7 to indicate their optional installation, which
serve essentially the same purpose as the window 26 provided in the
forward or chamber end 28 of the bolt 22 of the firearm 10 or 10a of
FIGS. 1 through 3, i.e., to prevent the explosive gases from dissipating
their force by flowing back through the light aiming passage(s).

[0028]FIG. 8 of the drawings provides an elevation view in section of a
boresight aiming system live cartridge 410 having a necked down forward
portion, i.e., a Magnum configuration for use in compatibly configured
firearms. The cartridge 410 of FIG. 8 is configured essentially like the
cartridge 310 of FIG. 7, i.e., having an outer shell 414 with rearward
and forward ends 416 and 418, a concentric inner shell 420 having
rearward and forward ends 422 and 424 and defining an axial light aiming
passage 412 therethrough, a toroidal base end 426 with a light aiming
passage 428 therethrough, and a rim 430 enclosing a peripheral or rimfire
primer charge 432, a bullet 434 removably secured in the upper ends of
the two shells 414 and 420, the bullet having an axial light aiming
passage 436 therethrough, the closed space defined by the inner and outer
shells 414 and 420, the base 426, and the bullet 434 defining a closed
explosive charge container volume 438 having a toroidal cross section
containing the explosive charge or gunpowder 440 conventionally used to
produce the explosive power for firing a bullet or projectile from a
weapon. The bullet 434 may contain explosive force containing windows
similar to the optionally shown windows 342a, 342b of the cartridge 310
of FIG. 7. The primary difference between the two live cartridges 310 and
410 is the much greater interior volume 438 of the cartridge 410 relative
to the diameter or caliber of the bullet 434 in order contain a
relatively greater quantity of explosive charge to produce higher muzzle
velocities and greater impact force from the bullet 434.

[0029]In conclusion, the boresight laser aiming system for firearms
greatly facilitates the aiming of an operable weapon, particularly in
rapid fire situations and at relatively close ranges. The aiming system
is primarily intended for use at relatively close ranges, where ballistic
effects, windage, etc., do not appreciably change the impact point of a
bullet from its idealized straight line trajectory as would be indicated
by the straight aiming line produced by a boresight laser device. The
aiming system allows a marksman to view the visible dot of light produced
by the laser device and manipulate the operable weapon to place the dot
directly upon the target, and then fire the same weapon as equipped with
the boresight aiming device. The laser device may transmit a light beam
visible to the unaided eye, or may alternatively be selected to produce
an aiming beam at a frequency invisible to the naked eye, e.g., in the
infrared range, whereupon the marksman may use infrared optical viewing
means to sight on the target without the target personnel becoming aware
of the situation, as would occur using visible aiming light frequencies.
Accordingly, the present boresight laser aiming system enables the
marksman to aim directly down the bore of the operating weapon and fire
that same weapon at the target while using live ammunition with the
boresight aiming system. The system may be employed by virtually anyone
having need to use a firearm in a variety of situations, but will prove
invaluable in law enforcement and military environments, where situations
requiring rapid fire response at close quarters often occur.

[0030]It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to
the embodiment(s) described above, but encompasses any and all
embodiments within the scope of the following claims.